Mumbai-based VC firm 9Unicorns appoints Vinod Keni as partner

9Unicorns, a Mumbai-based early-stage venture capital firm, has onboarded Vinod Keni as a Partner. In this role, Vinod will be responsible for the portfolio development of Fund I and also focus on creating a robust fundraising and LP network. 

Who is Vinod Keni?

Vinod Keni brings over three decades of diverse experience in investment advisory services, angel investing, stakeholder management, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and venture capital.

Prior to joining 9Unicorns, Keni held influential roles, including Founder & Managing Partner at Peachtree Capital Partners. This demonstrates his expertise across various sectors, such as fintech and consultancy.

He also founded and managed Bottomline Fintech, a finance-as-a-service startup, Peachtree Management Advisors, and WiseOwl Consulting LLP, demonstrating his expertise in profit and loss management, executive leadership, and investment advisory services.

9Unicorns co-founder highlights Keni's extensive experience

Dr. Apoorva Ranjan Sharma, co-founder of 9Unicorns, expressed his enthusiasm about Vinod Keni joining the team, highlighting Keni's extensive experience and successful track record in the investment landscape.

"Vinod's deep understanding of portfolio development and his ability to cultivate strong relationships within the investment community will be instrumental in driving the success of our portfolio companies. As we expand our footprint globally, Vinod's expertise will be crucial in strengthening our presence in the USA market. We are confident that his strategic insights and passion for fostering entrepreneurship will further enhance 9Unicorns' position as a leader in the startup ecosystem," Sharma added.

Vinod Keni on joining 9Unicorns

Vinod Keni said, “I am truly honored and excited to embark on this journey with 9Unicorns. The opportunity to join a dynamic team that is deeply committed to fostering innovation and supporting the growth of startups is incredibly inspiring. I believe that my diverse experience in investment advisory, angel investing, and venture capital, coupled with 9Unicorns' visionary approach, will enable us to create a meaningful impact in the startup ecosystem. 

"I look forward to leveraging my network and expertise not only to accelerate the growth of our portfolio companies but also to cultivate strong relationships with our investors and stakeholders," Keni added.

Keni's roles 

Keni is serving as an investor in promising startups like AgniKul Cosmos, ActivityHero, and SureWaves MediaTech Pvt Ltd.

He has also held various advisory and board positions, including roles at Roundglass, LenDenClub, Kabaddi Adda, Artha Venture Fund, MyCFO India, Indian Angel Network, and Zeus Financial Holdings LLC.

Before his entrepreneurial ventures, Vinod held critical positions at renowned organizations such as Aquarian Group LLC, India Private Equity Growth Fund, Capella Partners, VerticalOne, HeadHunter, HomeCom, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, IVF America, and Ernst & Young, India.

He holds an impressive track record of accomplishments, including leading a NASDAQ listing as CFO during his tenure at HomeCom and contributing to strategic initiatives for Intel, Texas Instruments, and 3M while at Ernst & Young, India.